The race to find top acts to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday continues. Broadway star Jennifer Holliday, best known for her Tony Award-winning performance in the musical “Dreamgirls”, has pulled out of the event after fans slammed her participation. Elton John, Andrea Bocelli and Garth Brooks also reportedly turned down invitations to perform. Several A-list celebrities, including Katy Perry, Cher and Scarlett Johannson, have meanwhile said they will take part in a Women’s March on Washington on Saturday instead. Those confirmed to perform at the inauguration include the Radio City Rockettes, country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood, and 16-year-old classical artist Jackie Evancho.

The historic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is packing up its tent after 146 years in business. The traveling circus, known as “The Greatest Show on Earth” – inspiring the Oscar-winning 1952 movie of the same name – said high operating costs and falling ticket sales were behind the decision. The last show will be held in May, the owners also announced. Animal rights groups, which have long complained about the circus’s animal acts, welcomed the news. The circus’s history traces back to famed showman and politician P. T. Barnum, who first set up a traveling menagerie in 1871. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circuses merged in 1919. 

Actress Carrie Fisher, who played the iconic Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” films, will not be digitally added in future movies from the franchise, according to Lucasfilm studio. Rumors surfaced that Fisher may be recreated in CG in the next “Star Wars” movies, following her death last month. The 60-year-old will appear in “Star Wars: Episode VIII,” which finished filming last July and is due for release at the end of the year. But Lucasfilm insisted it “has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher” for any future outings. 

The debate over Hollywood’s gender gap continues with actress Reese Witherspoon firing the latest salvo. "I've just had enough. Things have to change," the “Legally Blonde” star said at a press event on Saturday, blasting the number of “thankless roles” given to top actresses. Her comments are the latest in a string of complaints over the inferior roles and pay given to Hollywood actresses compared to their male colleagues. "We need to see real women's experience, whether it involves domestic violence, whether it involves sexual assault, whether it involves motherhood or romance or infidelity or divorce," Witherspoon said. The Oscar winner next appears in an HBO series alongside Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern, “Big Little Lies,” about three mothers and their children.